Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia has made a passionate appeal to the Federal Government to urgently intervene in addressing the escalating insecurity in the state.
The Governor made the appeal following renewed attacks by suspected herdsmen in Ukum and Logo Local Government Areas that have left at least 56 people dead.
The call was made on Saturday during an on-the-spot assessment visit to the affected communities in both LGAs, where he met with grieving residents and community leaders.
The attacks, which took place over several days, have left scores injured and displaced hundreds of families in the troubled Sankera axis of the state.
Governor Alia described the killings as “barbaric, senseless, and an affront to humanity,” emphasizing the urgent need for decisive federal action to stem the tide of violence in the region.
“I am deeply saddened by the scale of this tragedy. These were innocent, law-abiding citizens who were brutally cut down in their own homes and communities.
“We are calling on the Federal Government and security agencies to do more. These attacks must stop.” Alia said.
The governor also met with traditional rulers, youth leaders, and displaced residents during the visit, reassuring them of his administration’s commitment to improving security across the state.
He called on the people to remain calm and avoid resorting to self-help, promising that those responsible for the barbaric acts would be brought to justice.
“As a government, we are not folding our arms. We are deploying all available resources to protect lives and property. But we need more support—this is a national crisis,” the governor added.
In response to the attacks, security has been reinforced in the Sankera axis, comprising Ukum, Logo, and Katsina-Ala LGAs.
Emergency response teams have also been mobilized to deliver relief materials to displaced persons, including food, shelter, and medical support.
The violence in Benue mirrors a troubling trend across Nigeria’s North Central region.
In neighboring Plateau State, over 100 people have reportedly been killed in the last two weeks in a string of attacks by armed assailants in Bokkos and Bassa Local Government Areas.
Entire villages have been razed, and thousands displaced, prompting renewed calls for a holistic national approach to insecurity.
Many of these communities are also struggling with the aftershocks of climate-induced migration, worsening farmer-herder clashes, and the proliferation of illegal firearms.
Meanwhile, the Benue State Government says it is working closely with security agencies and humanitarian partners to prevent further attacks and ensure the safety of affected populations.
“We are in mourning, but we are also determined.
“Our people deserve to live in peace, and we will do everything within our power to guarantee that peace returns and is sustained.” Governor Alia said.
